When family time is all the time, what does it look like to be both a sane and intentional parent? Many caregivers found themselves asking questions like this during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As work, childcare, school, and socializing squeezed together under one roof, families experienced increasing struggles and frustrations amidst already hectic lives. But, for some parents, positive new habits began to form as well.

Kara Bettis, CT Features Editor, shares the words of such mothers in her recent article, “These Moms Won’t Miss the Pandemic. But Their Quarantine Habits Are Keepers.” Some families found themselves clinging to daily practices: reading the Bible out loud, memorizing Scripture together, or developing family prayer rhythms. Others drew comfort as they watched their families grow in apologizing to one another, or in seeing time as something especially precious and worth stewarding.

Whatever your habits—or lack thereof—during times of lockdown, each of these moms has a message for you: in all seasons, grace abounds.

How would you spend an ideal spring day?

At a park on a blanket with my Bible, a good book, my journal, and an iced matcha. —Sienna

I’d work in my yard . . . mowing and maybe planting some flowers. In the evening, I’d grill some burgers for dinner, then make a fire in the fire pit and watch the stars come out, enjoying a beverage, the crisp air, and the smell of smoke and cut grass. —Mark

Walking at the lake, and maybe fishing for trout for dinner. —Grace

Next week’s question: What novel do you love to recommend to others?

Tweet at @CT_Women with the hashtag #PullUpAChair or email us at ctcreative@christianitytoday.com—we’ll share some of your responses in next week’s newsletter!